UT Martin nailed a three to start the game and used a full-court press to jump out to a quick, 7-0, advantage. The Lady Tigers figured out the Skyhawk defense and eventually got within two at 17-15 when Johnson hit a triple at the 10:45 mark.

From that point, UTM made four consecutive baskets without a miss and went on an 11-4 run to raise its lead to nine with seven minutes to play before halftime.

The lead swelled to 12 before Hudson hit a closing jumper to put the home team behind, 40-30, heading into the break.

The Lady Tigers dominated down-low during the opening period, winning the battle of the boards (24-20) and outscoring the Skyhawks in the paint (18-8). However, UTM outshot TSU from the field (44-32 percent) and from deep (36-18 percent).

Tennessee State was able to trim the lead back down to nine when Johnson nailed a couple of freeibies at the 11:58 mark, but UT Martin quickly shut the door with eight straight points.

Even down by 17 at one point, the Lady Tigers stood strong and closed the game on a 10-2 run to fall by just six, 64-58.